When Sarah Grassel began pursuing a career in photography, she never anticipated starting her own business.
“I thought I wanted to be a photojournalist for National Geographic,” said Grassel. “Then I started college and everything changed.
Upon meeting her husband, Isaac, Grassel was taken on a new path in life, but she never lost sight of her dream. Grassel says he inspired her to discover a new love for photography and what she wanted out of life.
“Isaac helped me discover my passion for telling stories as a whole and helping those who don’t have the voice to share their stories,” said Grassel. As a result, Wandering Wilde Media LLC was created.
Grassel captures authentic life milestones for clients through weddings, elopements, portraits, and birth stories.
By exploring a variety of art mediums, including photography, videography, writing, and podcasting, Grassel says her skills help offer something unique to every client who walks through her door.
Grassel shares more about her love for photography, her podcast, and advice for aspiring photographers.
“My services are for those who want to feel comfortable in front of the camera, aren’t afraid to show who they really are, and are ready to share themselves with the world.” – Sarah Grassel
My goal as a business is…
to build confidence and to give a voice to everyone.
My style of photography is…
not your typical Instagram trend. It’s not bright and airy, moody, warm, or earth- toned. My style is more true-to-color, meaning what you see is what you get. While I do have poses that we go through during shoots, I’m also there documenting the day or moment as we go along.
My services are perfect for…
the wild(e) and adventurous, the wildly in love, and the ones who have a little bit of a wild(e) side with a story to tell.
My love for photography started…
in high school. My grandma let me borrow her point-and-shoot for a digital photography class, and it was love at first click. I began to see the world from a different perspective. Everything I looked at, I found an angle to portray its beauty.
What I love about destination weddings is…
the travel and experience. It’s easy to get caught up every weekend doing the same thing, the same venues or vendor teams. Destination weddings bring a sense of adventure and the unknown.
I’ve traveled to…
California, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. One day, I hope to hit all 50 states for weddings or elopements.
Dedicated Volunteer
Outside of her business, Grassel is a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
My advice to aspiring photographers is…
community over competition. There’s always something to learn from others in the industry, and it’s nice to have a system of people that you trust and rely on as referrals.
“The Pulse Podcast” is about…
wedding vendors in the Black Hills. I sit down and speak with wedding-related artists and vendors and discuss hot tips and tricks for couples who are in the planning stages of their wedding or elopement. We also discuss the business aspect of their work— who they are, how they got their start, and what they’re trying to accomplish with their business.
My favorite way to spend my free time is…
one of three ways: reading a book, cuddling on the couch with my cat, Opal, listening to and/or making music, or out in nature.
Keep up with Sarah
Instagram // @wanderingwildemedia
Facebook // /WanderingWildeMedia
I love to grab a bite or drink at…
Harriet & Oak. They’re always hopping, and I love the cozy atmosphere. My favorite order is a Caramel Latte, the Bacon Apple Cheddar Sandwich, and a Triple Chocolate Brownie.
My favorite thing to do at home is…
spend time with my family. I have a 1 year old son, and another joined the family in January. At home, we love to watch Disney, play board games, cook together, and dance together. My family has always been a big part of who I am and is a huge root of my business.
One thing I love about South Dakota is…
how much the Hills remind me of the Adirondack Mountains. Growing up, I spent a lot of time visiting upstate New York, and the Adirondacks have always been one of my happy places. When I came out to the Hills, I was reminded of the memories I had made, from being buried in the sand, going on hikes, and watching the wildlife. I discovered that South Dakota isn’t your typical Midwest farmland. It’s special, and it’s home.
